First pitch: 5 MLB spring training storylines we will be watching this week
By Kevin Henry
MLB spring training storyline: A new-look Chicago Cubs lineup
While the Padres certainly grabbed their share of headlines for what they did this offseason, don’t overlook what happened on Chicago’s north side this winter. The Cubs will likely roll out a completely revised Opening Day lineup that includes new faces such as Cody Bellinger, Trey Mancini, Eric Hosmer, Tucker Barnhart, and Dansby Swanson.
Of all of the changes this winter, the most eyes may fall on Swanson, who left Atlanta to sign a seven-year, $177 million deal to become one of the cornerstones of the Cubs rebuild. He will pair up with second baseman Nico Hoerner to give Chicago one of the best middle infields in the game, and the duo could find themselves near the top of the batting order as well, meaning they could not only set the tone in the field but at the plate as well.
Bellinger is certainly a name to watch as well as he will be looking to prove he can still be the force he was prior to the pandemic when he earned NL MVP honors in 2019 with the Dodgers. The 27-year-old Bellinger and the Cubs are both betting on a one-year, $17.5 million “get right” contract this season. Will it pay off?
Will the new changes mean a return to winning ways on the corners of Clark and Addison? Is there added confidence for better things after finishing 74-88 last season? I’ll find out when we visit Cubs camp and watch them in action on three occasions.